Tom Harrell's "The Time of the Sun"

Tom Harrell is an unusual artist in the world of jazz: A leader of a long-standing quintet who produces new albums frequently and regularly (four in the past five years) in a consistent style and dependably high quality — and the music sounds fresh each time.

"The Time of the Sun," released in late spring, begins with awe-inspiring shimmers produced by the magnetic field surrounding the sun and recorded by scientists at Stanford University. After the other-worldly opening, an ominous drumbeat powers an anthem that suggests — the sun rising and marching slowly, relentlessly across the sky? an ancient army on parade through a conquered city? Harrell delivers a solo with a series of rising, surging runs that maintain the disconcerting vibe while at the same time undercutting it with the thrill of his own trumpet majesty.

All the other tunes are also great — similar to those on previous albums, but original and sparking fresh excitement. "The Open Door" is an intricate ballad. "River Samba" burns will breezy intensity.

Wayne Escoffery has a high-energy solo on "Ridin" and a Wayne-ishly abstracted take on "Estuary." I hope Escoffery keeps playing in Harrell's group as he branches out with his own projects. He's one to watch.